Ugandan Anti-Corruption Protests Met with Arrests and Crackdown

Kampala, July 23, 2024 – Protests erupted in Uganda’s capital as citizens took to the streets to voice their anger over rampant government corruption. Organized despite a ban on public gatherings, the demonstrations targeted Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who faces accusations of misusing parliamentary resources and is under investigation for the origins of her wealth.

Arrests and Charges: Security forces arrested approximately 60 protesters, including prominent figures like television presenter Faiza Salima and young activist leaders. Those detained faced charges of being a “common nuisance” and disorderly conduct. Many protesters were swiftly brought before the courts and remanded without bail, raising concerns about due process violations.

Government Response: President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, warned that the protesters were “playing with fire” and that the authorities would not tolerate demonstrations threatening national security. A heavy police and military presence was deployed across Kampala, particularly around the business district and near parliament.

Public Sentiment: Inspired by recent anti-corruption movements in neighboring Kenya, the protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of accountability for public officials involved in corruption scandals. Uganda ranks 141 out of 180 on Transparency International’s corruption index, reflecting the pervasive nature of the issue.

International Scrutiny: The protests follow the U.S. and U.K. imposing sanctions on several Ugandan officials, including Among, for their alleged involvement in corruption. This has further fueled public anger and demands for accountability.

Broader Context: The government’s harsh response to the protests, including the arrests and swift legal proceedings, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. The unrest highlights the growing discontent among Ugandans regarding governance and the need for reforms to promote transparency and strengthen institutions.

These developments underscore the challenges Uganda faces in combating corruption and upholding democratic principles in the face of a government that has been accused of repressing dissent and shielding corrupt officials from prosecution.